As Tommy becomes more dependent on Mommie Dearest, he is regressing in age. Today he's about sixteen. It's the old soap opera kid trick in reverse. You know, born in January, in preschool by fall, troubled adolescent at Easter, and in two years she's a doctor? Soon Tommy will be playing with action figures and watching cartoons.

Note that Iris calls the Bible "the book I gave you." She's positioning herself to grab the credit for Tommy's apparent turnaround. After all, she selected the passages for Tommy to read. Some less capable, i.e., less fanatical, person (say Wilbur, or Tina Baby) would have either picked the wrong passages or totally flubbed this. Mommy saves the day! Maybe she's even spoiling for a smackdown with Mary.

Withdrawal symptoms are obviously a thing in the past. A couple of passages from the "book" and all is right with the world. And silly me to think that addiction was difficult to overcome. Another Moy adventure in stupidity about to be neatly tied up with a bow.

I appreciate the obvious symbolism of the butterflies but a rainbow would've been extra special. And a unicorn grazing on the lawn while flower fairies braided its mane. How fortunate the withdrawal symptoms haven't materialized while Tommy awaits treatment. Or did I somehow miss the millisecond of treatment in this saga?

Seems like Iris could use her own social worker to direct her to Nar Anon. Quick, someone, find her a meeting and get her the heck out of this strip so Tommy can try handling his own problems.... http://www.nar-anon.org/

Could they just kiss already. Moy has done such a bad job in this story line on so many levels that a little Oedipal complex wouldn't surprise me. The look on Marys face as she tries to give advice on this one would be precious.

Tommy is coming along just fine, and Iris has had enough of this mothering business. After all, she can be reached by text. Can that be all for the Tweedlebeedies for the time being, say for about ten years? Because I really, really hate them, and hate is a word I don't like to use.

For some reason, today’s strip reminds me of Raymond and Eleanor Shaw. Will Iris give Tommy a big, wet smooch? In tomorrow’s strip—since they’re in the bathroom already anyway—will Iris help Tommy take a shower? ... Now, that's what I call "family friendly"! Overly family friendly! ... EWWWW! I just grossed myself out ... again! Why does that keep happening with this “plot”? ... I need a margarita with Toby Cameron to wash away the distaste!

@fauxprof and KitKat: I’m always up for a Mary Worth victory lap! Can’t wait to see it! But I think we might not be done here for a while yet ...

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Mary Worth is the work of writer Karen Moy and artist June Brigman, and until recently, the legendary Joe Giella. It is owned by King Features Syndicate, Inc. All images from the comic strip are owned by King Features Syndicate. This site is meant to critique, parody, and promote Mary Worth and falls under the Fair Use doctrine of copyright law. Personally, I hope that King Features Syndicate, Inc., will agree that fan interest in this great strip is a good thing. My only ambition is that somehow my meager efforts might serve to enrich Joe Giella, Karen Moy, June Brigman and of course King Features Syndicate, Incorporated.